Tag Archives: Matthew Shay

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a turbulent start to 2014, the National Retail Federation says it expects sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas and restaurant sales) to increase 4.1 percent to $616.9 billion, higher than 2013’s actual 3.1 percent increase during that same time frame. Holiday sales on average have grown 2.9 percent over the past 10 years, including ...

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has lowered its retail sales forecast for 2014 because of slow growth recorded during the first half of the year, but said sales are expected to grow significantly faster over the next five months. NRF forecasted in January that retail sales would grow 4.1 percent in 2014 over 2013, but today’s revision lowers the ...

WASHINGTON — Warmer spring weather spurred continued consumer spending and activity this March. According to the National Retail Federation, March retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.8 percent adjusted month-to-month and 1.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year. NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said, “Retail sales increased in most categories and sectors as consumers took to stores to ...

WASHINGTON — Consumers leveled off post-holiday shopping and spending in the beginning of the year due in part to severe winter weather in much of the country, according to the National Retail Federation. January retail sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, were flat seasonally adjusted month-to-month yet increased 3.0 percent unadjusted year-over-year. “Following a solid holiday sales season, it ...

The National Retail Federation reports retailers’ hiring actions may bode well for the holiday shopping season, though the employment numbers missed previous forecasts. NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said, “The nation’s retailers continued to add to their payrolls in December even in the midst of the condensed holiday shopping season. Retailers and merchants, especially those operating clothing and general ...